Pertamina EP Rantau Strengthens Disaster Preparedness Literacy
Pertamina EP Rantau Strengthens Disaster Preparedness Literacy Regarding Climate Change in Aceh Tamiang
Jendela Dunia — Global climate change has a profound impact on the environment. This phenomenon brings about unforeseen disasters, such as the hydrometeorological events that struck Aceh Tamiang just one year ago. The flash floods that occurred posed a significant threat to the lives of persons with disabilities.
For this reason, Pertamina EP Rantau Field has strengthened disaster literacy for the Satgas Digdaya (Empowered Persons with Disabilities Disaster Response Task Force) and Posyandu Melati community health post through training on interpreting disaster-prone area maps and the proper use of emergency preparedness kits. Persons with disabilities are disproportionately more vulnerable when disasters strike.
"The hydrometeorological disaster at the end of November 2025 provided a clear demonstration of just how vital disaster literacy is. The Digdaya team was there to assist the community, which is why strengthening their understanding of disaster-prone area maps is so important," said Andrian Syahputra, Secretary of the Empowered Persons with Disabilities Disaster Response Task Force (Satgas Digdaya), on Saturday, 14 November 2026, in Karang Baru.
Andrian explained that the dozens of Digdaya Task Force members are no longer seen as a "burden" when hydrometeorological disasters hit Aceh Tamiang — in fact, they went on to help many fellow flood survivors.
Armed with knowledge gained from disaster training, Andrian said they have since assisted with evacuation efforts and the distribution of emergency supplies. He and dozens of Digdaya members, along with five volunteers from the Posyandu Melati health post in Paya Meta Village, participated enthusiastically in the training, listening intently to facilitators from the Aceh Tamiang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).
During the session, participants learned how to read and interpret thematic maps identifying flood and landslide-prone areas across Aceh Tamiang. They were also introduced to the contents and purpose of the Disaster Preparedness Kit — including emergency food supplies, drinking water, spare clothing, first aid supplies, lighting equipment, and emergency cooking gear.
According to Andrian, this knowledge equips Digdaya members and health post volunteers to serve as vital information liaisons within their communities. "When we understand the maps, we can clearly see the risks — which areas are prone to flooding, where landslides may occur, what access routes are available, and which areas need priority in our evacuation planning," he explained.
Additionally, PEP Rantau Field has conducted full-scale disaster preparedness simulations involving hundreds of participants. These exercises serve as a critical wake-up call to strengthen systems in the face of changing global weather patterns.
Major flooding caused by extreme rainfall demonstrates that Aceh Tamiang can no longer rely on outdated disaster management approaches. The flood response simulations placed special emphasis on the swift evacuation of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
Through these simulations, PEP Rantau Field management provided practical education to employees, contractors, and community members — covering everything from recognizing early warning signs to following official instructions and carrying out safe evacuation procedures to emergency shelters.
Speaking on behalf of Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) Region 1, Iwan Ridwan Faizal, Manager of Community Involvement and Development (CID), stated that the training reflects Pertamina EP Rantau Field's ongoing commitment to building disaster awareness and readiness among vulnerable communities.
"It is our hope that through these carefully planned programs, the Digdaya Task Force will be better equipped to respond to unpredictable disasters. From a simple preparedness kit to a single map, this training delivers one clear message: disaster preparedness begins long before disaster strikes," he said.
Reporting by the Aceh Tamiang Team.